Power showers use twice the water of a bath

That's the shock finding in a new study by Unilever into household water usage.

The study researched over 2,600 showers across a 100 households - the results will challenge our pre-conceptions on water and energy conservation in the home.

During the study, researchers found that whilst the average bath uses 80 litres of water, taking a long shower or using a power shower can result in up to 136 litres of water being used.

To put that figure into context, for an average family of 4, that equals 200,000 litres of water a year at a cost of £918 in water and electricity use.

Non power showers, which use less water, and shorter showering times, resulted in an energy and water bill of just £416 a year.

What's worrying is the fact that power showers currently make up 20% of the shower market and the number is increasing.

Unilever's study concludes by pointing out that water usage, globally, has risen. It's estimated an average person uses 30 litres or water a day more than we did in 1970.

So, if you're remodelling the bathroom or en-suite, think carefully about the type of shower you install. Used sensibly, a non power shower will save more energy and water than a bath.

photo credit: hygiene matters

Energy price rises likely - here we go again

Sunny weather always makes people take more of an interest in solar energy and installing it on their own homes.

And with photovoltaic panels, homeowners not only win with lower energy bills, but also in the income generated from Government feed-in tariffs.

However, news that energy prices are about to go up again and could rise by 15% by the end of 2011 (source: utility exchange), means now could be the perfect time to offset such increases by opting to generate your own energy.

The price increases are being blamed on the rises in wholesale prices for gas coupled with a stronger world demand.

One ray of light is that Ofgem have now forced energy companies to give 30days notice of any bill rises, giving you chance to shop around for a better deal.

But it's already evident that with many companies removing cheaper tariffs and replacing them with more expensive ones, getting a cheap deal won't be easy.

Most energy switching utilities seem to agree that a dual-fuel agreement can earn the most savings at present.

If you're fed up with being at the mercy of the energy companies, then perhaps it's time you got a no obligation, instant online quote for solar panel installation on your home or business.

photo credit: alex proimos

Do energy bills leave you a bit confused?

Do your energy bills leave you a bit confused? You're not alone.

The Guardian reports that a recent survey by uSwitch last year found that 75% of people also found their energy bills confusing, compared to 27% who found their bank statements confusing - mine's confusing - where does that money go?

So get ready for a new kind of energy bill coming through your letterbox soon.

The Consumers friend - Which? is currently comparing the new bills and will report it's findings on just how clear the bills are later.

In brief, the new bills will show the annual cost of your gas or electric and an estimate for next year (assuming things and tariffs stay the same).

They'll also show any premiums or discounts you receive. Things like paying by direct debit etc. You'll also get advice on how to change supplier.

The changes are coming about as a result of changes by the energy regulator Ofgem, designed to help homeowners get the most out of the energy market. It'll be interesting to see what comes through your letterbox next.

You can read the full Guardian report by clicking here.

photo credit: alex grech

£200 billion modernisation bill could see energy prices soar

As well as the environmental arguments for solar energy which have got homeowners and businesses in the UK reaching for the Internet to find out more about the costs of installing solar hot water and photovoltaic panels on their properties, there's also the issue of rising energy costs to consider.

As this piece from Energy Choices highlights:

"Rising energy prices and the cost of modernising power stations will mean our energy bills could rise 60% by 2016. Consumers and power companies face a bill of £200 billion over the course of the next 15-20 years to modernise energy generation in the UK, and ensure the nation has enough gas and electricity.

Energy regulator Ofgem unveiled the findings following publication of its Project Discovery, which outlines the prospects for secure and sustainable energy supplies over the next 10-15 years.

Ofgem’s four scenarios that could all hike our bills are...". Click here to read the full story at Energy Choices.

photo credit: markhillary